Honey BBQ Chicken Rice – The Best 1-Pan Family Dinner Recipe
A delicious and easy one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce, combined with perfectly cooked rice and mixed vegetables. This family-friendly dinner comes together in under an hour and is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Additional
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken thighs evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a flavorful honey BBQ sauce.
- Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance the nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half of the prepared honey BBQ sauce into the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir to combine evenly.
- Simmer Chicken and Rice: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Pour the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, add the mixed vegetables (if using) on top. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for a complete, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- If preferred, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid dryness.
- Mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers depending on your preference.
- Using a skillet with a tight-fitting lid helps ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Chicken Rice, Easy Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Skillet Recipe
